How to Fertilize Chinese Fringe Trees

With their graceful shape and showy white flowers, Chinese fringe trees (Chionanthus retusus) are a dramatic, low-maintenance tree for smaller gardens. They grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 9 and require little attention once established in a sunny bed with moist, well-draining soil. Chinese fringe trees benefit from an annual feeding to enhance their appearance and increase their normally slow growth rate, which seldom exceeds 4 to 10 inches each year. Feed Chinese fringe trees in early spring before new leaf growth emerges.

1

Run a garden hose at the base of the tree until the top 4 inches of soil feel moist. Make sure the water is on low volume so it soaks in. Move the hose to a different area periodically to ensure even watering.

2

Roughen the top 1 inch of soil around the base of the tree using a rake. Make the roughened area in a 5-foot radius around the tree so the fertilizer will affect a larger portion of the roots.

3

Sprinkle a full measure of the 16-4-8 ratio fertilizer onto the roughened surface of the soil. Spread the fertilizer as evenly as possible to avoid root burn. Leave a 4-inch gap between the base of the trunk and the fertilizer. A granular, 16-4-8 ratio fertilizer promotes a healthy balance of foliage, flower and root growth.

4

Lightly spray water onto the fertilized area to help the fertilizer adhere to the soil. Water deeply 10 to 15 minutes later to distribute the fertilizer into the soil. Water again the following day to a depth of 1 inch.

5

Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch onto the fertilized soil. This helps keep the soil moist so the tree can take up the nutrients. Leave a 3-inch gap between the mulch and the base of the trunk to allow for some moisture evaporation.

About the Author

Anastasia Leon began writing professionally in 2001. Her experience as a horticulturalist and nurseryman informs her work, which has appeared in publications such as Mother Earth News and Modern Farmer. Leon is a certified master gardener and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz.